Ann Frodey-McInerney

Dr. Ann E. Frodey-McInerney

1954-2010 PITTSFIELD Dr. Ann E. Frodey-McInerney, 55, of Churchill Street, Pittsfield, died Sunday, June 6, 2010, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Nov. 24, 1954, the daughter of David and Katherine Jones Frodey, she was a graduate of Craig Elementary School in Somerville, N.J., and a 1973 graduate of Bridgewater High School in West Bridgewater, N.J.

A woman of diverse interests and talents, Dr. Frodey began her college education earning her B.S. Degree in biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Dr. Frodey spent the early part of her professional career in Pittsfield working for GE Plastics in Marketing and Development.

Within reach of her Masters Degree, with just the final thesis to defend, Ann learned she was accepted to University of Massachusetts Medical School and turned her entire attention to medicine. She graduated from UMass Medical in June of 1985, and immediately began her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Berkshire Medical Center, completing her training in 1988.

Since that time she has provided primary care internal medicine in Pittsfield until the time of her death. She also followed her interests in occupational medicine. Over the past decade her practice consisted of providing care at the medical clinic at SABIC Innovative Plastics (formerly GE Plastics) and at a private office in her home.

She was a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine and a member of the American College of Occupational Medicine. She was a member of the Medical Staff at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield since finishing her residency training. She was also a member of the Berkshire District Medical Society and the Massachusetts Medical Society.

Throughout her adult life, Ann triumphed over a number of limiting health issues. A cancer survivor just out of medical school, she celebrated each passing birthday with genuine enthusiasm. One of her great gifts was that when her physical limitations prevented her from pursuing one endeavor to its fullest, she would adjust her thinking and refocus her efforts to make the most of her numerous gifts. Therefore, as she was less able to pursue her interests as an expert windsurfer, horsewoman, construction boss, landscaper, gardener, hiker, and skier, she conquered the world of gourmet cooking, beading, and jewelry making. Her innovation and creativity with regard to these pursuits was truly remarkable.

After one, or two, samplings of a complex meal at a fine restaurant, she could effortlessly recreate it at home. She loved nothing better than to be the "hostess with the mostest" for large groups of family and friends at formal and informal get-togethers.

Throughout her life she enjoyed science fiction and fantasy books and movies. She was a sucker for chic flicks.

She leaves her husband, Dr. Michael McInerney; her daughters, Lauren McInerney and Elise McInerney. She also leaves her parents, David and Katherine Frodey of Clifton Park, N.Y.; her brother and sister-in-law, Steven and Meg Frodey of Clifton Park, and Michael Frodey of Clifton Park and his finacee, Kathleen Belisario.

Also left to grieve are her mother and father-in-law, Dr. Robert and Gloria McInerney of Pittsfield; and her husband's siblings, Alice McInerney of New York, N.Y., Eileen McInerney of Fort Collins, Colo., Peter McInerney of Denver, Colo., Patrick and Cindy McInerney of Kents Hill, Maine, Joe and Ariel McInerney of Auburn, Calif., Beth and Bob Clarke of Carlisle, Mass., and Dr. Thomas and Heidi McInerney of Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

She will be fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling hours for Dr. Anne E. Frodey-McInerney will be held Friday, June 11, from 2-5 p.m., and from 7-9 p.m., at the DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 13, at 12 noon at the Sons of Italy ITAM Lodge No. 564, 93 Waubeek Road, Pittsfield, with refreshments to follow.

Dr. Frodey was very grateful for the wonderful care she received at Berkshire Medical Center's ICU/CCU and Telemetry units over the past six months.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ann's memory to the Berkshire Medical Center's CCU/Telemetry Fund, Development Office, Berkshire Medical Center, 725 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.